I am looking into Spanish language immersion schools, more specifically in Mexico, Central or South America(my wife would kill me if I went to Spain without her). This seems like a well rounded forum of travellers and you all have always been helpful with my other stupid questions so I figure I should give it a shot. There are a lot of schools but not a lot of independent reviews. Thanks for not laughing, and thanks for any help.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7053 posts
I don't know about reviews but I did see a lot of such schools advertised in Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula while I was there. Have you come across any of them yet? I don't know who would be the accreditation body or would be able to give you a sense of value or quality though...sorry!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17361 posts
Costa Rica is a popular place for that. My admin assistant is there now.
Posted by
Portland
3642 posts
My husband and I attended one in Oaxaca, and were very pleased with it. I'm sorry I don't remember the name, but it was a quite sizable operation, with morning classes (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) and afternoon (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.) optional cultural experiences, like lectures on Mexican history, cooking, salsa dancing, etc., all conducted in Spanish. I'm including these details on the chance they'd help you identify the school, which we found on the internet. The other consideration that led us to select it was that we were able to enroll for just two weeks. The other schools we looked at seemed to require a minimum of four weeks. And, btw, we loved Oaxaca.
Posted by
OP
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, USA
153 posts
Thank you all for the replies. I was actually looking at one in Oaxaca run by a group called Ecela. I haven't been able to find any reviews as such but I am hoping also to go for 2 weeks. Did you feel your language skills improved?
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Just returned yesterday from Guatemala where I have attended a school a few times and this time took my 12 year old grandson and had him attend for a week. The school I like best is in Antigua and is called Ixchel. It is very reasonable and the school will find housing for you with a family if you wish. Immersion is the best way to learn, however it is not my thing. I have found a wonderful guest house to stay at that is just two blocks away from the central park and the price includes three incredible meals a day and your private room and bath. The owner speaks a little english, but out of consideration only Spanish is spoken during the meals (so it is sort of like immersion however there are other guests and you have more freedom. This last week there was a man from Ireland, a woman from Fl. a few people from Iceland and a number of the owners family members as it was Semana Santa. Typical pricing for the week is around $200. A lovely garden, sitting room with wifi, and an open air dining room that overlook the volcano. I have stayed there about 4 times now and been very happy. Easy shuttle ride from Guatemala city to Antigua. I used Elizabeth Bell (an American who runs a tourist agency) to handle logistics for me such as flights, etc. to Tikal or Lake Atitlan. I have been to Oaxaca as well and feel so much more comfortable in Antigua. I love Guatemala and will be happy to give you emails if you wish. I will also be working on my images (I am a photographer) and you can see them when I finish working on them. I think your wife may also be jealous when she learns about Antigua. Rainy season will begin in summer, but depends on when you go.